Nas Air was the only airline to fly to and from Rafha after the Kingdom’s national carrier, Saudi Airlines, pulled out some three years ago, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported.
The halting of flights to this remote region has caused much difficulty for people, both Saudis and expatriates, especially those who are sick and need specialist treatment at hospitals in Riyadh. The situation is also bleak for those who are disabled.
The halt in flights has affected many workers and students from Rafha who have government jobs or are enrolled at universities and colleges in other parts of Saudi Arabia. Foreigners working on both government and private projects in the region also have no option but to travel by road.
An overwhelming majority of people in Rafha and its neighboring districts depend directly or indirectly on Riyadh for their livelihood.
About 80 percent of those who travel from Rafha to Riyadh used to be airline passengers since the city’s airport first opened 49 years ago.
With a rapid growth in the local population and a substantial increase in the number of foreigners working in the region, there has been an increased frequency in people flying to and from Rafha. However, the halt in flights has now forced people to travel by road.
SAPTCO buses, limousines and private vehicles are benefiting immensely from the situation. Most people who travel by SAPTCO to Riyadh would normally have flown using Nas Air. These people are surprised that the airline has stopped operating, especially since flights used to be very popular and fully booked throughout the year.
“The airline offices recorded booking percentages exceeding 90. During peak seasons, there were days when no seats were available,” said one passenger.
Meanwhile, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) is yet to take measures to fill the void. GACA spokesman Khaled Al-Khaibari said the body is coordinating with Saudia to operate flights in those routes from where Nas Air has completely withdrawn.
He also promised that Saudia would start flying to these destinations in the near future. Al-Khaibari, however, refused to reveal an actual date when services would begin.
His remarks come five days after Nas Air stopped flights to Rafha.
